America the Spoiled: A Look at the Rest of the World

Yesterday I got a Magazine from Compassion International, a Christian charity that helps children and communities across the world. Like always the magazine featured some interesting statistics about other countries.

I was in utter amazement at just how little people in other countries get by on. Of course, “getting by” is a very relative term. Because the truth is many people in other countries aren’t getting by but instead they’re holding on by a thread.

Anyway, the article sparked my interest and I started wondering about the spending and income amounts in other countries as well.

Here’s what I found.

Living in Thailand

Here are some interesting facts about living in Thailand:

• Average daily income for the poor in Thailand $2.50
• Average yearly income for the poor $900
• Average yearly income overall $8,200
• $350 could buy materials to build a 16’ x 13’ house
• $9 would feed a small family for a day
• $32 would cover the costs of school supplies, a school uniform, and shoes

Living in the Dominican Republic

Here are some interesting facts about living in the Dominican Republic:

• Minimum wage is $0.84/hour (2010 data)
• Living wage is $2.83/hour (2010 data)
• Average monthly income $462
• The Dominican Republic has the lowest investment in education in Latin America.
• Clean water access: 86%

Living in Uganda

Here are some facts about living in Uganda:

• Per capita income of $506
• 1 doctor to every 300,000 people
• 65% access to safe water
• Minimum wage is $0.01 per hour and has been this way since 1984

Living in India

Here are some facts about living in India:

• Minimum Wage is $0.28
• Average monthly income $295
• Poor education system: More than 50% of women in India ages 15 and over are illiterate.

Living in the US

And lastly we have to look at some of our own statistics:

• Minimum wage $7.25/hour
• Average household income $52,800
• Daily income $144.66
• Clean water? Check.
• Government Assistance for those under the poverty line? Check.

How Does That Make You Feel?

When I see statistics like this I feel a) grateful for my life and b) a little selfish.

While I’m not making a ton of money by US standards I know I’m far better off than many others around the world. And it makes me want to give back.

Why buy a new car, big house, or new wardrobe when your money could help save someone’s live, give a child clean water, or provide medicine or schooling?

I personally feel like the meaning of life has to do with helping others – even if you can only do it in a small way.

How do some of these statistics make you feel?